The Border Terrier is a small, tough no-frills terrier with a wiry coat and an otter-like head. Unlike many other terriers who traditionally hunted on their own, these dogs were bred to work peacefully amongst other dogs (most typically foxhounds), making this breed more sociable and less aggressive with other dogs compared with some other terriers.
The Border Terrier is an active dog, who loves getting outdoors for plenty of exercise and makes a great playmate for older children. They are affectionate and happy little dogs, who enjoy human company and do well with families or active older people. Although easy to train, even the most obedient Border will relish the opportunity to chase small animals, and whilst it does well with other dogs, it may require careful introductions to adapt to feline housemates.
History
The Border Terrier was developed in the hilly countryside on the English-Scottish border to work with farmers and shepherds to pursue and dispatch foxes. It worked with Foxhound packs, and huntsmen on horses, meaning it needed to be strong, tough and agile, as well as able to get on well with other dogs. It was also required to work ahead of the pack and be small enough to dig into the foxs lair and force the fox out into the open.
